Trump Administration Plans Large-Scale Visa Revocation for Asylum Seekers

The Trump administration is reportedly set to revoke business and tourist visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for asylum in the United States. This action, as reported by the Associated Press, could be announced in the coming weeks, citing documents and U.S. officials.

This initiative focuses on B1 and B2 visas issued from 2016 to 2026 to individuals who later sought asylum. If executed, it would represent the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history. This action might also face legal challenges, as reported by the outlet.

“We are coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who have come to the United States claiming to be short-term visitors, but then file for asylum to stay here permanently,” said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.

Pigott declined to specify the number of individuals affected. The revocations will occur on a “rolling basis” and the total number remains “dynamic.” The move does not automatically result in immediate deportations. Those with pending asylum applications would be reclassified and lose their business or tourist status.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized that asylum should not be used to sidestep immigration laws. “People in the US and all over the world are fed up with bogus asylum claims,” Landau wrote. “Asylum isn’t supposed to be a loophole to circumvent immigration law.”

Currently, B1 visas cover business travel, while B2 visas are for tourism, family visits, and medical care. Applicants must show intentions to return to their home countries.

This proposed visa revocation aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to address perceived abuses of the immigration system. Previously, the State Department revoked around 175,000 visas over 18 months.

The State Department has not provided further comments on this matter. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

By Sophia Compton, Fox News Digital. Sophia has a background in business reporting on finance, energy, and tourism and graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Contact at [email protected].